• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.187-191
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• 1998

Alveolar soft part sarcoma(ASPS) is a rare malignant neoplasm with a distinct clinicopathologic entity of which fine needle aspiration(FNA) cytologic findings have been described in only a few reports. Although patients usually present with an isolated soft-tissue mass in the extremity, metastasis can occur in about 13 % of total cases and the most frequent metastatic site is the lung. We have recently experienced a FNA cytologic case of ASPS in the lung. A 23-year-old female patient was admitted to this hospital due to 2-month-history of cough She had been good in health before the visit. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple, variable sized, bilateral pulmonary nodules. Physical examination and other staging work up revealed no other lesions except for pulmonary nodules. A percutaneous transthoracic FNA was performed from the pulmonary nodules. The smear was cellular and most cells were arranged singly. In addition, a few clusters lined by thin-walled vasculature with a pseudoalveolar pattern were present. Some of the tumor cells were large and polygonal lo oval with abundant granular or vacuolated cytoplasm. Most cells were naked nuclei showing finely granular chromatin pattern with prominent central nucleoli.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.297-304
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• 2016

The seed of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L) has been reported to suppress human cancer cell proliferation. However, the mechanisms by which safflower seed inhibits cancer cell proliferation have remained nuclear. In this study, the inhibitory effect of the safflower seed (SS) on the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells and the potential mechanism of action were examined. SS inhibited markedly the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116, SW480, LoVo and HT-29). In addition, SS suppressed the proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7). SS treatment decreased cyclin D1 protein level in human colorectal cancer cells and breast cancer cells. But, SS-mediated downregulated mRNA level of cyclin D1 was not observed. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation by MG132 attenuated cyclin D1 downregulation by SS and the half-life of cyclin D1 was decreased in SS-treated cells. In addition, SS increased cyclin D1 phosphorylation at threonine-286 and a point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine attenuated SS-mediated cyclin D1 degradation. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 suppressed cyclin D1 phosphorylation and downregulation of cyclin D1 by SS. In conclusion, SS has anti-proliferative activity by inducing cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation through ERK1/2-dependent threonine-286 phosphorylation of cyclin D1. These findings suggest that possibly its extract could be used for treating colorectal cancer.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.469-474
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• 2012

Fagopyrum esculentum(FE) is an important food crop and medicinal plant that is used to improve diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and constipation in Korea, but the underlying mechanisms involved in its anti-allergic activity are not fully understood. We investigated the effects on the release of inflammatory mediator and proximal signal events in $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$-mediated RBL-2H3 cell activation. FE reduced antigen (DNP-HSA)-induced release of histamine, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and cysteinyl Leukotriene (cysLT) in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, it inhibited antigen-induced HDC2 and COX-2 and 5-LO mRNA expression in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. FE also suppressed antigen-induced $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\beta}$ and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\gamma}$ subunit mRNA expression in these cells. To identify the mechanisms underpinning the inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and PGD2 and cysLT by FE, we examined the proximal signal events of intracellular FceRI signaling molecules. FE suppressed antigen-induced phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk, LAT, $PLC{\gamma}1$, PI3K, Akt and cPLA2. Collectively, the anti-allergic effects of FE in vitro suggest its possible therapeutic application to inflammatory allergic diseases, in which its inhibition of inflammatory mediator and FceRI-dependent signaling events in mast cells may be hugely beneficial.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2003

Arachidonic acid (AA), which is stored in membrane glycerophospholipids, is liberated by phospholipase $A_2$ (PLA$_2$) enzymes and is sequentially converted to cyclooxygenases (COXs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs) then to various bioactive PGs, and LTs. In order to find the specific inhibitors of AA metabolism especially PLA$_2$, COX-2, 5-LO and lyso PAF acetyltransferase, 120 Korean residential plants extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on PGD$_2$, LTC$_4$ production from cytokine-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) and arachidonic acid released from phospholipid and PAF production from lyso PAF. From this screening procedure, methanol extract of ten indigenous plant such as Salix gracilistyla, Sedum kamtschaticum, Cirsium chanroenicum, Hypericum ascyron, Astilbe chinensis, Agrimonia pilosa, Aristolochia manshuriensis, Vodia daniellii, Pyrola japonica, Styrax obassia were found to inhibit production of inflammatory mediators in vitro assay system.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.10-24
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• 2023

In this study, a antioxidant activity peptide fraction was separated and purified from metabolites of whey protein fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus B2-1. The fermentation sample was separated by macroporous resin D101 and Sephadex G-15. The collected fractions were tested for antioxidant and antitumor activities. In order to test the antioxidant activity of fractions, Hydroxyl (·OH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) were used. The final purified peptide B11 showed highest ABTS and ·OH radical scavenging rate by 84.36±1.89% and 62.43±2.64%, respectively, and had an ORAC activity of 1,726.44±2.76 μM Trolox equivalent/g. Further, the inhibitory effect of B11 on the proliferation of LoVo human colon cancer cells, KB and Cal-27 human oral cancer cells were enhanced with increasing concentrations of B11. B11 contains 51.421% amino acids, with Glu and Asp being the major constituents. In this study, we obtained peptide fraction B11 with antioxidant activity, which is promising for development.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.12
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• pp.893-899
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• 2021

BLT2 is a low-affinity receptor for leukotriene B₄, a potent lipid mediator of inflammation generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BLT2 plays any role in sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection. A murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis was used to evaluate the role of BLT2 in septic inflammation. In the present study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT2 (LTB₄ [leukotriene B₄] and 12(S)-HETE [12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid]) were significantly increased in the peritoneal lavage fluid and serum from mice with CLP-induced sepsis. We also observed that the levels of BLT2 as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 12-LO, which are synthesizing enzymes for LTB₄ and 12(S)-HETE, were significantly increased in lung and liver tissues in the CLP mouse model. Blockade of BLT2 markedly suppressed the production of sepsis-associated cytokines (IL-6 [interleukin-6], TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor alpha], and IL-1β [interleukin-β] as well as IL-17 [interleukin-17]) and alleviated lung inflammation in the CLP group. Taken together, our results suggest that BLT2 cascade contributes to lung inflammation in CLP-induced sepsis by mediating the production of inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that BLT2 may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis patients.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.401-412
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• 2018

Oxymatrine (OMT) often used in treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in clinic. However, OMT-induced liver injury has been reported. In this study, we aim to investigate the possible mechanism of OMT-induced hepatotoxicity in human normal liver cells (L02). Exposed cells to OMT, the cell viability was decreased and apoptosis rate increased, the intracellular markers of oxidative stress were changed. Simultaneously, OMT altered apoptotic related proteins levels, including Bcl-2, Bax and pro-caspase-8/-9/-3. In addition, OMT enhanced the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress makers (GRP78/Bip, CHOP, and cleaved-Caspase-4) and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), as well as the mRNA levels of GRP78/Bip, CHOP, caspase-4, and ER stress sensors (IREI, ATF6, and PERK). Pre-treatment with Z-VAD-fmk, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, partly improved the survival rates and restored OMT-induced cellular damage, and reduced caspase-3 cleavage. SP600125 or NAC reduced OMT-induced p-JNK and NAC significantly lowered caspase-4. Furthermore, 4-PBA, the ER stress inhibitor, weakened inhibitory effect of OMT on cells, on the contrary, TM worsen. 4-PBA also reduced the levels of p-JNK and cleaved-caspase-3 proteins. Therefore, OMT-induced injury in L02 cells was related to ROS mediated p-JNK and ER stress induction. Antioxidant, by inhibition of p-JNK or ER stress, may be a feasible method to alleviate OMT-induced liver injury.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5291-5298
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• 2012

Beta-asarone is one of the main bioactive constituents in traditional Chinese medicine Acorus calamu. Previous studies have shown that it has antifungal and anthelmintic activities. However, little is known about its anticancer effects. This study aimed to determine inhibitory effects on LoVo colon cancer cell proliferation and to clarify the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Dose-response and time-course anti-proliferation effects were examined by MTT assay. Our results demonstrated that LoVo cell viability showed dose- and time-dependence on ${\beta}$-asarone. We further assessed anti-proliferation effects as ${\beta}$-asarone-induced apoptosis by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay usinga flow cytometer and observed characteristic nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation of apoptosis by microscopy. Moreover, we found the apoptosis to be induced through the mitochondrial/caspase pathway by decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reducing the Bcl-2-to-Bax ratio, in addition to activating the caspase-9 and caspase-3 cascades. Additionally, the apoptosis could be inhibited by a pan-caspase inhibitor, carbobenzoxy-valyl-alanyl-aspartyl-[O-methyl]-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD-FMK). When nude mice bearing LoVo tumor xenografts were treated with ${\beta}$-asarone, tumor volumes were reduced and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays of excised tissue also demonstrated apoptotic changes. Taken together, these findings for the first time provide evidence that ${\beta}$-asarone can suppress the growth of colon cancer and the induced apoptosis is possibly mediated through mitochondria/caspase pathways.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.103-110
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• 2020

Objective: The objective of our study was to investigate anti-cancer effects of Danggui Liuhuang Decoction extract bioconverted by protease liquid coenzyme of Aspergillus kawachii (DLD-BE), compared to a non-bioconverted DLD extract (DLD-E) and determine the underlying mechanisms. Methods: DLD-E and DLD-BE were evaluated for their ability to modulate these signaling pathways and suppress the proliferation of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, HCT-116, LoVo, and HT-29. The anti-cancer effects of DLD-E and DLD-BE were measured by using proliferation and migration assays, cell cycle analysis, Western blots, and real-time PCR. Results: In this study, treatment with DLD-E and DLD-BE at concentrations of 25-100 ㎍/mL inhibited proliferation and migration in human CRC cells. DLD-BE induced apoptotic cell death and decreased COX-2 expression in HT-29 cells. The mechanisms of action included modulation of the AKT and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase signaling cascades along with inhibition of COX-2 expression. The results demonstrate novel anti-cancer mechanisms of DLD-BE against the growth of human CRC cells. Thus, we propose that DLD-BE can be developed as a more potent supplement to inhibit colorectal tumor growth and intestinal inflammation than DLD-E.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.12
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• pp.1691-1698
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidative and antiallergic effects of persimmon leaf extract. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the crude persimmon leaf extract (PLE) and the partially purified persimmon leaf extract (PPLE) were determined in in vitro assays by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radicals, and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and cyclooxygenase (COX). Total phenols and total flavonoid levels of PLE and PPLE were $230.0{\pm}19.6$ mg/g and $475.5{\pm}38.7$ mg/g, and $34.8{\pm}6.5$ mg/g and $78.8{\pm}3.6$ mg/g, respectively. DPPH and superoxide radical-scavenging activities ($SC_{50}$) of the PLE and PPLE were $23.8{\pm}3.2$ ppm and $10.0{\pm}1.3$ ppm, and $47.6{\pm}3.4$ ppm and $22.4{\pm}3.3$ ppm, respectively. Inhibitory activities ($IC_{50}$) of PLE and PPLE against 5-LO, COX-1 and COX-2 were $77.1{\pm}11.7$, $38.6{\pm}7.0$ ppm, $47.4{\pm}7.7$, $25.3{\pm}6.3$ ppm, and $129.5{\pm}5.5$, $84.5{\pm}2.3$ ppm, respectively. Moreover, two extracts inhibited dose-dependently NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and also effectively inhibited the cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody in mice. These results suggest that PLE and PPLE may be useful for phytochemical materials for prevention and treatment of radical-mediated pathological and allergy diseases.